Learning From The Best At The NRA Carry Guard Expo

A list of many of the seminars and workshops that will be offered at the NRA Carry Guard Expo in Milwaukee, Wis., August 25-27, is now available—and the event is shaping up to be a real winner. We’re particularly impressed by the balanced approach to personal protection on display here, with roughly equal attention dedicated to defensive training, mindset and good old-fashioned planning. We at A1F Daily are quite interested in all of these events, but below are a few that particularly intrigue us.

Former Navy SEAL (and friend of A1F) Jeff Gonzales will be teaching a module on the “Concealed-Carry Mindset,” focusing on how you as a gun owner can “reduce your signature” and avoid becoming targeted for a crime in the first place. It won’t just be about blending in, either—attendees will also learn how to “position themselves to gain tactical advantages.” Additionally, Jeff will be offering seminars on how to incorporate handheld flashlights into your personal defense plan, and on the complexities of appendix carry.

This kind of behind-the-scenes look at effective instructional programming will be particularly valuable coming from such an established figure in the field.An unarmed self-defense workshop at an NRA-branded expo? It might sound odd, but taking your personal protection seriously requires being able to utilize whatever tool is available. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the instructor is Mixed Martial Arts legend Royce Gracie, who will be teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques that could well save your life.

There are also plenty of “honorable mentions” from the list of seminars and workshops that have been announced so far. Several are specifically tailored to women, including a trio of seminars by Diane Danielson and Debbie Crews that cover firearm selection, concealed-carry methods and drawing techniques. Steve Tarani will offer a seminar on how geopolitical and national security trends affect you, and Dr. Joe Logar will speak on how the aging process should impact your personal defense plan. You’ll even be able to take a Wisconsin or Utah state CCW class right there at the Expo!

As more details emerge about the NRA Carry Guard Expo, our excitement grows proportionately. Tickets for the Aug. 25-27 event—which will get you into most seminars and workshops—are available now, and can be purchased here. (Please note that a few seminars will require additional fees and/or pre-registration.)